Illini Open Results

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – For the second time this season, the Fighting Illini's Women's Cross-Country team grabs the Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor, with Britten Petrey receiving the honor this week for her 11.8 second victory at the Illini Open. Petrey joins teammate Alyssa Schneider (9/30) as the two Illini to nab the weekly award in 2015.

The senior from Schaumburg, Ill. has been among Coach Scott Jones' most consistent performers all season long; finishing in the top two on team at all but one of the team's meets this season. The Illini Open victory, clocked at 17:54.21, was her first individual crown at the collegiate level.

Petrey's victory on Friday comes as she and the Illini are preparing for Big Ten Championships this weekend, and Coach Jones believes that this performance will help propel her to success in Chicago this weekend.

"We wanted to use this race as preparation for the Big Ten Championships," said Jones. She raced assertively, and I think it will carry into next weekend's race in Chicago."

This weekend's Big Ten Championships meet, beginning at 11:45am, will be Petrey's fourth of her career. Last season as a junior, Petrey broke her personal-best 6K mark at Big Ten Championships, coming through the chute at 21:31.6, finishing 64th overall. 

2015 Big Ten Women's Cross Country Athletes of the Week

Sept. 9: Erin McDonald, So., MSU

Sept. 16: Tori Gerlach, Sr., PSU

Sept. 23: Erin Finn, Jr., MICH

Sept. 30: Alyssa Schneider, Sr., ILL

Oct. 7: Erin Finn, Jr., MICH

Oct. 14: Paige Senatore, Sr., RU

Oct. 21: Erin Finn, Jr., MICH

Oct. 28: Britten Petrey, Sr., ILL